Cycle Verona to Lake Garda
- Relaxed Italian cycling discovery from Verona to Lake Garda
- Explore Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet
- Ride to the vineyards of Soave and sample the local Verdicchio
- Visit Lake Garda’s delightful villages and the hot springs of Sirmione
- Dine on fresh gnocchi in Mantova’s cobbled piazzas
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive VeronaVerona airport is easily linked with Verona’s old town via a 20 minute shuttle airport bus service.
On arrival, head to the Piazza Brâ and discover Verona’s exceptionally well preserved Roman amphitheatre, dating back to 1st century BC. Brimming with Renaissance architecture and the romance of Romeo and Juliet, exploring the surrounding streets where cafes serve gelato and sweet pastries.
Located in the heart of Verona, this 4* hotel is a former 16th century academy and is found on the bustling Mazzini Street. Only a few minutes’ walk from the historic sights. Hotel Academia is within easy reach of the cafes and bars of Piazza Bra and Shakespear' Juliet's famous balcony.
The Hotel is based in the cities historical center, located between Galleria Pellicciai and Via Mazzini. It is only 50 meters from Piazza Erbe and all the Verona attractions.
Leaving the lively streets of Verona, cross the River Adige and cycle along country lanes to the fortified wine town of Soave. Encircled by medieval fortifications, Soave town has a picture book setting. Sample a selection of locally produced white wines accompanied by the classic regional dish of gnocchi. Later, return to Verona by way of a riverside cycleway.
Ascent/descent: 340m/335m
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Located in the heart of Verona, this 4* hotel is a former 16th century academy and is found on the bustling Mazzini Street. Only a few minutes’ walk from the historic sights. Hotel Academia is within easy reach of the cafes and bars of Piazza Bra and Shakespear' Juliet's famous balcony.
The Hotel is based in the cities historical center, located between Galleria Pellicciai and Via Mazzini. It is only 50 meters from Piazza Erbe and all the Verona attractions.
Cycle south west across the Veneto plains as you pedal to Mantova. Surrounded by 3 lakes, the cobbled piazzas of Mantova were the inspiration behind Verdi’s opera, Rigoletto. Explore the piazzas of Sordello, Broletto and Erbe and later relax at a lakeside café. The perfect setting to soak up the sunshine over a chilled bottle of local Mantovano wine.
Ascent/descent: 15m/60m
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Hotel Casa Poli offers a pleasant, sophisticated environment to its guests. The hotel is furnished in a minimalist, sophisticated style: pure, essential style furniture, plays of light that have been studied down to the finest detail, high technology comfort.
Located in the heart of the historical centre, Hotel Broletto is a short walk to the Piazza Sordello, Sant Andrea Cathedral and Dukes Palace. Comfortable, traditional rooms have a contemporary twist. The hotel is also easily reached after a day of cycling.
The route today follows a series of waterways along easy-going country lanes and cycleways to the southern lakeside town of Perchiera del Garda. Spending the next 2 nights in Pescheria allows ample time to explore the lake by bike and ferry. Halfway along the route you have the option to do a short detour loop ride (approx. 10km) up to the small commune of Volta Mantovana and its 11th century castle. It’s worth the extra distance for the deserted cycle path alongside the Vigilio Canal, followed by lunch in the centre of town. On arrival in Peschiera del Garda, head to the beach and relax with the sunset before dining in one the many family-run trattorias in the historic town centre.
Ascent/descent (with the extra detour): 260m/200m
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The Hotel San Marco is located not far from the historic centre of Peschiera del Garda, directly on the waterfront Mazzini. A great location for a relaxing stay and wellbeing in a refined three star hotel. A charming landscape and the elegance of details are some of the aspects that distinguish Hotel San Marco and leave lasting memories on all who stay. The family management makes Hotel San Marco a “second home”, a cosy place where you can feel harmony and tranquillity.
Peschiera del Garda with more than 10,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful and famous towns of Lake Garda. Three of the ancient settlements on the Alps, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located here. Near to the main tourist attractions of Lake Garda.
Garden Hotel offers recently renovated rooms and guarantees their guests a pleasant stay. They offer a range of services, including:
- Private parking and garage
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet Point
- Daily cleaning
- Pre-sale ticket service
- Bar and restaurant
- Local transportation available
- Smoke-free hotel
Hop in the saddle for your last day of riding and cycle along the lake shore to the town of Garda. Cycle through the old town of Lazise and take a waterside coffee stop in Bardolino. On arrival in Garda, sample a lunch of fresh lake fish before returning to Peschiera by ferry.
Alternatively, take a day off the bikes and catch a ferry to the lakeside town of Sirmione. Sitting at the edge of a peninsula, the town is possibly Lake Garda’s prettiest, and the hot springs of Sirmione are the perfect way to round off a relaxing day.
Ascent/descent: 45m/45m
The Hotel San Marco is located not far from the historic centre of Peschiera del Garda, directly on the waterfront Mazzini. A great location for a relaxing stay and wellbeing in a refined three star hotel. A charming landscape and the elegance of details are some of the aspects that distinguish Hotel San Marco and leave lasting memories on all who stay. The family management makes Hotel San Marco a “second home”, a cosy place where you can feel harmony and tranquillity.
Depending on your onward travel arrangements, spend the morning relaxing pool or lakeside. Peschieria train station has regular services to Verona (20 min journey time).Â
Other Information
Is it for me?The tour is graded easy to moderate. Each ride is 35-57km and follows cycle paths and country roads from Verona to Lake Garda. By day, explore Roman and Renaissance sights and in the evening dine on fresh pasta dishes, washed down with local white wines. Spending 2 nights in Verona and Lake Garda means there is plenty of time to take the tour at your own pace, recharging each evening in comfortable, characterful 3* hotels.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
The tour is graded easy to moderate. Each ride is 35-60 km and follows cycle paths and country roads from Verona to Lake Garda on rolling terrain. Once you have left the towns and cities, much of the cycling is on quiet roads or cycle ways, along rivers and through the countryside.
During this trip you will stay in a selection of 3* hotels. We regularly use the following properties but will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard should any of the following hotels be unavailable. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.
Meals
Included are 5 breakfasts. Breakfast usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time ofbooking.
Lunches and dinners are not included. Your route notes will suggest a number of local places to dine and of course, being in the heart of Veneto means you're never too far from a bowl of fresh gnochhi.
Single Rooms
If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists.
This cycling route follows a combination of cycle paths, quiet country roads and busier routes when approaching and departing towns and cities. Please always be mindful of other roads users at all times, especially when cycling on routes shared with traffic. The tried and tested detailed routes notes and maps are easy to follow during your self-guided adventure.
Should you require assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available throughout your trip.
- 5 Nights in 3* hotels
- 5 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack
- Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Verona / from Peschiera del Garda
- Bike hire (or upgrade to e-bike hire)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Ferry journeys on the lake
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Bike hire
- Upgrade to e-bike hire
- Arrival or departure transfers
This trip is available to start on any day from April to October and we suggest that you contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May-June and September.
For general travel planning, we recommend the helpful site www.rome2rio.com
By Air
Verona Airport offers a number of airline services across Europe. An all-day shuttle bus service links Verona airport and Verona centre (journey time 20 mins).Â
Venice Marco Polo Airport also has extensive airline connections to most major cities. The airport shuttle bus connects with Venice Mestre train station (20 mins). From here it is an hour train journey to Verona centre.
Please visit www.trenitalia.com for train times, prices and tickets.
Getting from Peschiera del Garda
By Air
Peschiera del Garda does not have an airport but has excellent and regular train services to Verona (15 mins), Venice (1hr 30 mins) and Milan (1hr 10mins).
Please visit www.trenitalia.com for train times, prices and tickets.
Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg). If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.
All bike tours are unescorted. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications etc.
21 speed touring bikes are available for hire. Rental bikes come equipped with a basic repair kit, pump and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Male and female frames are available. If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride.
EBikes are also available for hire if you would like a power-assisted ride. For more information on EBikes please click here.
If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip such as Scott Sub, Trek 7200 or similar.
If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time book as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride, along with any other specific requests you may have. We’re always happy to answer any questions regarding hire bikes.
If you would to bring your own road bike please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This trip is graded easy to moderate with daily distances between 30 km—57km. Once you have left the towns and cities much of the cycling is on quiet roads or cycle ways along rivers and through the countryside. You will encounter some stretches of very shallow hills on the first day of cycling, but these usually dont last for too long. .
Its a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your trip so you get used to riding back to back days. However, it’s not all cycling. Each day there are plenty opportunities to visit historic sights and sample locally produced food and wine.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this region is extremely popular especially May to June and September.
Of course! We understand the relationship between rider and bike and know many cyclists would never consider riding another steed. If you are unsure, we are happy to discuss bike hire options with you.
April can be fresher with cooler evenings and are generally much quieter in the cities and towns. In May and September the days are beautifully warm, as the piazzas and lake towns buzz with life. During June, July and August you may encounter one of the regions many music or lake festivals. During these months days are gloriously long and hot so you may decide to cycle earlier in the day or take an extra long lunch to savour the local foods and avoid the midday heat!
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